The United States Congressional delegates to Nigeria during a visit said the prospects of Nigeria achieving quality success under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is very bright.
In a press conference held today, August 4, at the United States embassy’s Ekiti conference room, members of the U.S congress reassured Nigerians of the U.S support in combating Boko Haram and corruption.
Mr. Darrel Edward Issa, who led the delegation to Nigeria said that their visit was necessitated by President Buhari’s earlier visit to the U.S.
“Our delegation came from the United States first of all in response to President Buhari’s visit to President Obama and the United States congress. We are here because we see a new day for Nigeria under a democratically elected leadership,” he said.
He also debunked allegations that the US is not supporting the Nigerian government in the fight against insurgency in the North-East because of the Leachy’s law – which does not encourage the United States to support countries with bad records of human rights abuses. Recall that Nigeria was recently accused of violating international human rights law by Amnesty international.
“The U.S have agreed to provide technical support in the battle against insurgency and corruption. We will work with President Buhari administration to ensure change in the way things are done,” he said.
Another member of the U.S delegation, Mrs Sheila Jackson Lee, called on Nigerians to stand up and support the government while pointing out the impatience of the Nigerian people in the fight against insurgency, especially as it concerns the new government.
‘The visit of President Buhari to the United States is significant in the fight against insurgency.
“Boko Haram is a Nigerian crisis that has risen to be an international crisis,” she said.
She added that Boko Haram attacks should not be seen as affecting a section of the country but the entire country.
“You will not solve the crisis of the Boko Haram until the people of Nigeria stands up and support the government and each other. We have come to be solution partners, that is working with Buhari. You cannot receive if you do not ask. The United States is ready to support,” she said.
On the kidnapped Chibok girls, the U.S congresswoman said that Nigerians should be proud of the kidnapped Chibok girls even in their absence.
“The Chibok girls are Nigerian girls. If it had not been the taking of the girls by Boko Haram the international community would not know that people, boys and girls are being kidnapped in Nigeria,” Lee said.
Jackson, who expressed optimism that the kidnapped girls are still alive urged Boko Haram to come out and deliver the girls.
“Boko Haram we will find you wherever you are,” she said.
The congresswoman, Federica Wilson said Nigeria is in the news for both the good and bad reasons.
“The world is cheering Nigeria because you had an election without violence. When we hear of Nigeria we do not think of your wealth, genius and entrepreneurial spirit. What we think of is Boko Haram. Boko Haram is ruining the reputation of Nigeria,” she said.
She, however, reiterated that the US congress will continue to support Nigeria in the fight against insurgency in Nigeria.
“We wear a red every Wednesday in the Congress and take pictures and tweet about #BringBackOurGirls and we will never give up,” she said.
The congressional delegation also commended the effort of Dr Oby Ezekwesili, a former minister during the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo and her BringBackOurGirl group.
Other members of the group also appreciated by the delegation are Aisha Yesufu, Maryam Uwais, Bukky Shonibare, Hadiza bala Usman (BBOG founder), Nanre Nafziger-Mayegun, Executive Director of LYNX Nigeria.
Commenting on the importance of the congressional delegation visit, Ms. Bukky Shonibare said it further shows that the United State is more committed to bringing back the kidnapped Chibok girls. She also commended the efforts of the US especially congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee and Federica Wilson for ensuring that previous messages from the Nigeria people, BBOG were promptly delivered to the United States.
“It shows that the United States are not only committed to bringing back our girls but also ending insurgency in Nigeria,” she said.
The United States government has promise to continue to support the administration of Buhari in his fight against Boko Haram, crude oil theft and corruption in Nigeria. The visit of the US congress delegation is among many other signs that the relations between Nigeria and the US is witnessing a re-birth.
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